Ryan Seacrest weighs in on life changing impact of father's death

Ryan Seacrest lost his father Gary Secreast earlier in October this year.

At that time, he announced that his father, Gary, died after a year-long prostate cancer battle.

His death reportedly proved to be a turning point for Ryan, who is ringing in a new mindset ahead of 2026. 

During his latest chat with US Weekly while promoting Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, the TV host shared how the loss has shifted his mindset.

“Losing someone so close to you — my dad, my best friend — you realize that life is short,” Ryan began.

The media personality went on to note that the experience has encouraged him to live more intentionally.

“You’ve got to make the most of it every day,” he added.

Sharing his major learning from the event, he concluded, “Some of the little things that we let bother us are not important in the grand scheme. That resonated with me.”

Amid the holiday season, he also shared an emotional tribute to the deceased earlier this month.

“First Christmas without Dad, but holding him close in all the ways we can,” Ryan penned in a social media post. 

“We miss you. Merry Heavenly Christmas.”